Pages

Monday, December 29, 2008

Post by AshleyEvery now and then you run across a book that grabs onto you and won't let you go, even after you turn the last page. This is one of those books. I don't know how these authors did it (the book is written by two women), but I was totally convinced that every character in the book must be real, must have really lived on that small island off the coast of England during World War II. I had to keep checking and rechecking the little "historical fiction" line. I haven't read a ton of WWII books beyond the Number the Stars kind of kid fare, mostly because I know that what took place in that war was so horrific, I don't think I could stomach reading an adult book set in that time period. If that's a worry you share, let me reassure you that this book deals respectfully with the subject---which is not to say that it glosses over the horror; it simply doesn't dwell on the details. I wouldn't recommend it to a reader younger than, say, fourteen. All cliche-ness aside, this book will move you and uplift you. Read it. I know you'll love it.

Friday, December 26, 2008

I hope you had a merry Christmas and are getting ready for a happy New Year! What books did you get in your stocking or find under your tree? What books are you reading this holiday season? Don't forget to vote in the poll!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

As the work of my panel draws to a close I thought I would post some information about the Middle Grade nominations. Here you have all of the titles, and links to the reviews by our panel. Our shortlist will be announced on Jan 1, 2009. The winners will be announced Feb 14th.